SEASON PREVIEW: Greencastle-Antrim girls' volleyball

GREENCASTLE — Success during the regular season has become routine for the Greencastle-Antrim girls' varsity volleyball program.

Recognized as a perennial power, the Blue Devils are coming off a 16-3 campaign in 2012, which featured a share of the Mid-Penn Capital Division championship and a first-round bye as the No. 2 seed in the District 3 playoffs.

It's here where G-A has struggled, being eliminated from postseason contention yet again after falling to Brandywine Heights in straight sets, bringing the promising run to a close in the Class AA quarterfinals.

Now in her second year, head coach Katie Lutz has undoubtedly built a greater comfort level with this season's cast, headlined my returning standout Chloe Hoover.

Entering her fourth year at the varsity level, Hoover will serve as a versatile presence in the middle of G-A's attack, acting as a solidified force at the net.

Aside from assuming a leadership role, Hoover's main task will be filling the shoes of Nakita Gearhart — the 2012 Capital Division Player of the Year who's currently continuing her volleyball career at Juniata College.

Fellow seniors Ashlynn Schaeffer and Abbey Pool will complement Hoover as a pair of proven hitters while Erin Koons, Bailey Hopkins and Courtney Stump each return as experienced defensive specialists set to anchor the back row.

New additions to the varsity roster include Brittany Engle, Corynn Schook, Jessica Root, Cierra Stoner and Brycelin Spidel, all of whom are capable of contributing immediately.